Why study?
“We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character—that is the goal of true education.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Purpose of Education, 1947
2 Timothy 2:15 (MEV)
Study to show yourself approved by God, a workman who need not be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
It’s more than book knowledge. Study to recognize truth and build character. Grow in wisdom and spiritual maturity.
Good morning, Lord. I want to avoid hard times. I want to detour around the rough seasons. I want to skip life’s tough lessons. And yet, You use those tough lessons to chisel the sharp edges off my heart, to focus my eyes on You, to strengthen my soul. Those unwanted events build a solid foundation for my faith.
The easy life I desire would make me a spiritual wimp. Thank You, Lord, for lessons learned the hard way.
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
What does the Bible say about character?
Romans 5:3-4 (AMP)
Hardship (distress, pressure, trouble) produces patient endurance; and endurance, proven character (spiritual maturity); and proven character, hope and confident assurance [of eternal salvation].
Character = spiritual maturity.
Am I judged by my spiritual maturity? Interesting thought.
Good morning, Lord. Sure, I want people to like me. Sometimes, I confess, I seem to want that more than I want You, O God. But no! I cannot imagine life without You, without Your Spirit. Give me strength to resist the temptation to say what’s popular. Teach me to stick with Your truth, in words of love and deeds of grace.
“Everybody can be great … because anybody can serve … You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
The Drum Major Instinct, 1968
Dr. King sounds a lot like the apostle Paul.
2 Corinthians 8:7 (MEV)
But as you abound in everything—in faith, in utterance, in knowledge, in all diligence, and in your love to us—see that you abound in this grace also.
Grace and love, great together.
Good morning, Lord. The snow continues to fall, and work is cancelled. My neighborhood is shrouded in peace. True peace comes from You–internally, in our hearts, and externally, in our world. Fill me with Your peace, gently, like snowflakes piling high. Forgive us our frantic efforts to create peace through worldly wisdom.
Teach us to look to You for righteousness, justice, grace and peace.
“True peace is not merely the absence of tension;
it is the presence of justice.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Stride Toward Freedom, 1957
Justice, peace … and blessings.
Psalm 106:3 (ESV)
Blessed are they who observe justice,
who do righteousness at all times!
Good morning, Lord. You know how often I procrastinate. Teach me to prioritize the right things. Teach me to do the right things at the right time. May I never put off doing the right thing, in Jesus’ name.
Today we celebrate the wisdom and leadership of Martin Luther King, Jr. He was a Christian minister, and he carefully studied the Bible. His wisdom was grounded in the Word of God. This week, I’ll connect bits of MLK’s best-known quotes to Scripture.
“The time is always right to do what is right.”
Martin Luther King, Jr.
Letter from a Birmingham Jail, 1963
Ecclesiastes 8:5-6 (NLT)
Those who are wise will find a time and a way to do what is right, for there is a time and a way for everything.
Good morning, Lord. All too often, I confess, I think too much about myself and too little about You. My motives are usually self-serving. My worldview pretty much revolves around me. I am quick to think, “How will this affect me?” Give me kingdom eyes to see the world the way You do.
